Cross-border signal interference addressed in collaborative telecommunications project involving Chad and Cameroon
In a significant stride towards improving cross-border telecommunications in Central Africa, the Electronic Communications and Postal Regulatory Authority (ARCEP) of Chad and the Telecommunications Regulatory Agency (ART) of Cameroon have recently completed a joint technical mission. This collaboration, spearheaded by Idriss Bechir Soumaine and Mouhamadou Awallou, aimed at coordinating frequencies and reducing radio-electric signal intrusions along their shared border.
The primary objective of the collaboration was to curb the intrusion of radio-electric signals across borders, particularly in the strategically sensitive urban areas of N'Djamena and Kousseri. The initiative, which took place from June 30 to July 8, 2025, resulted in the elimination of Cameroonian signal intrusions in N'Djamena following technical adjustments by operators. Similarly, it identified and addressed Chadian signal penetration into Kousseri.
The joint mission has paved the way for a new phase in subregional cooperation, aiming to improve service quality for citizens living in border communities. Through extensive field operations and signal measurement (drive-tests), the teams assessed the impact of intrusive 2G, 3G, and 4G signals in these regions. The results of the mission led to a review of the operational readiness for the Chad-Cameroon Free Roaming agreement, with a technical refresh now paving the way for an anticipated rollout by August 11, 2025.
The mission also focused on enhancing collaboration between ARCEP Chad and ART Cameroon, leading to commitments to adopt common technical standards for telecommunications infrastructure to ensure seamless cross-border services. The collaboration also involved mutual agreements on investments in shared infrastructure to enhance connectivity and reduce costs. Furthermore, there were commitments to harmonize regulatory requirements to facilitate easier operations for telecom companies across both countries.
These efforts are expected to result in improved connectivity, particularly in border regions, benefiting local communities and businesses. Better telecommunications can stimulate economic growth by facilitating trade, communication, and access to information across borders. Additionally, the mission could lead to increased access to digital services, such as telemedicine, e-learning, and financial services, which are crucial for remote and underserved communities.
The successful joint initiative reinforces digital sovereignty for both Chad and Cameroon, as both countries agreed to adhere to authorized signal strength limits across borders and established defined signal thresholds to prevent future violations and maintain radio-electric sovereignty for both countries. The closing ceremony was presided over by Haliki Choua Mahamat, Director-General of ARCEP Chad, and the finalization and signing of a new Border Frequency Coordination Agreement were agreed upon.
In conclusion, the joint technical mission between ARCEP Chad and ART Cameroon marks a significant step forward in enhancing cross-border telecommunications in the region. The collaboration not only addresses signal interference issues but also aims to improve infrastructure, align regulations, and foster economic growth by facilitating better connectivity. The successful outcome of this mission is a testament to the growing alignment between Chad and Cameroon in managing shared digital infrastructure and protecting their telecommunications ecosystems.
- The joint technical mission between ARCEP Chad and ART Cameroon resulted in a review of the operational readiness for the Chad-Cameroon Free Roaming agreement, with a technical refresh now paving the way for an anticipated rollout by August 11, 2025, aimed at improving service quality for citizens living in border communities and fostering economic growth through better telecommunications technology.
- The collaboration between ARCEP Chad and ART Cameroon led to commitments to adopt common technical standards for telecommunications infrastructure, with mutual agreements on investments in shared infrastructure to improve connectivity, reduce costs, and ensure seamless cross-border services, ultimately benefiting local communities and businesses and maintaining radio-electric sovereignty through the use of authorized signal strength limits across borders.
